Do you remember in Happy Gilmore where Adam Sandler prepares for next year's hockey season by standing in the batting cage and instead of trying to hit the pitched baseballs, he's standing in front of them. He's getting the crap beaten out of him by hurdling baseballs to prepare for the hard licks he's going to take next year on the ice. That's what I felt like today.
Cold calls. I was making them to architecture firms. I had my prospect list, my talking points in front of me. I was ready!
Mind you I was a little anxious after having some very positive cold call experiences as well as some not so positive experiences in the past. Often times it comes down to timing and need. For example, I had one client hire me on the spot when I called them to introduce myself. What they didn't tell me until afterwards was that they had just made the decision to look for a new photographer. Lucky Me!
On the other hand, I had another experience where had I not had such a good sense of humor I may have never wanted to make a cold call again. I had someone say to me "You know we have three staff photographers already and this market is pretty much locked up, there's nothing happening here." Ouch!
Fortunately, my calls this morning started with a lot of messages. That's normal. I look forward to call backs in the next few days. If not, back on the phone!
After a second cup of coffee, I hopped back on the phone ready for anything.... including possible baseballs to the chest and called my next prospect.
This one was a wee bit bigger, the VP of marketing of a international architecture firm. Gulp, I hit dial.
The woman answered, I introduced myself and reminded her that I sent her a small portfolio book a few days before. She responded with a friendly recognition of the book and complimented me on my work. She then transferred me to her photography director. We talked details about how they used photographers and other logistics, she added me to their list of photographers and we went on our way.
Bingo! 5 minutes after leaving lots of messages, I squeezed my little foot in a very big door. Granted, its not like I'm going to get a call tomorrow to fly to Dubai, Tokyo and New York to shoot their flagship projects. BUT, my work is on their desk, my name is in their files and I've personally connected with them. Now, all I can do is send them quality, compelling work for them to see that I'm staying active and shooting good work. It will come around.
Tomorrow, I get to start my day with a whole new list of names and probably some bruising to my chest or even better...a new gig.
I'm ready! The upcoming season looks to be a good one.
